This doesn't exactly fall under minor league information, but it does affect how to determine prospects. The Washington Post today published a chart titled "Lowest Batting Averagge on Balls Put in Play, Career". Good - this is a good way to tell if BABIP shows luck or skill. When I look at the top six for the American League: Jerrod Washburn, Tim Wakefield, Paul Byrd, Steve Trachsel, Mark Buehrle, and Brett Tomko, I don't see too many stars (Halladay was 7th and Mussina 8th), and think that once a ball is hit, it's all luck as to whether or not a pitcher is successful. But then I look at the top six of the National League: Barry Zito, Pedro Martinez, Tom Glavine, John Smoltz, Greg Maddux, and Tim Hudson (followed by Moyer and Park), and with four Hall of Famers and two guys who've made a few all-star games, you gotta think that BABIP is a reflection of skill. I still don't know. What do you guys think?




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